Showing posts with label Lima. Show all posts

Turron Doña Pepa - Popular stories



A very well know dessert that has conquered the hearts of thousands with its original and unique taste. 

Turron Doña Pepa (Mrs. Pepa's nougat) is a traditional Peruvian sweet that is consumed mostly in October because of its close relationship with the celebration of the Lord of the Miracles, the world's largest procession, according to the Vatican. In Peru, especially Lima, October is the purple month and the month of turrones.  


The exact origin of this dessert is still unknown, but here we share the most popular stories: (you can also watch the video


1. The Miracle

The most popular or beloved story by all Peruvians, is Josefa Marmanillo, as well known as "Doña Pepa", a slave from the Cañete valley (colonial times) that stood out as a good cook. Due to some health problems, she began to feel a paralysis in the joints that prevented her from performing her daily tasks. Hearing the rumors of the miracles of the Christ of Pachacamilla, she decides to travel from her native Cañete to Lima. Her faith and devotion was so immense that she recovered from the evils that tormented her. As a token of her appreciation she traveled from Cañete to Lima just to accompany her divine patron. Nevertheless, she wanted to offer him a present as a token of her gratitude. Therefore, when she was in the procession she noticed everything that involves the festival as the group of sahumadoras (woman who carries a perfume in braziers or pebeteros during the religious processions and its task is to sahumar, that is to say "to give aromatic smoke to something in order to purify it or that it smells good") with purple habit as the group of singers. In addition, of the shippers of each team dressed in full suit and above this attire, the habit with insignia.  However, what most drew her attention was the suppliers that were located in the surroundings where the procession passed, they offered the classic anticuchos, picarones, choclos, choncholíes, rice with milk, purple mazamorra, emollient and picarones with its particular honey (all Peruvian desserts). In that moment, when she saw the food and the desserts, she decided to thank her Lord with a new Peruvian sweet prepared by her. Thus, to the next exit of the divine image she took her nougat and offered it to the parishioners as a sign of her gratitude to the Lord of Miracles. From there, the nougat of Josefa was spread and baptized as it is known in our time: "Turrón de Doña Pepa". 

2. The Contest

Another popular story talks about a contest arranged by a Viceroy looking for a tasty and nutritious sweet that could be preserved for several days without losing its flavor. Marmanillo was the winner of that event so, her nickname 'Doña Pepa' was associated with dessert. 


3. The cook

This one refers to "a brunette cook" married to a man named Cobos, former employee of the Public Beneficence. Her real name would have been Josefa and she was a specialist in preparing snacks. She also had the ability to make drinks and desserts. Josefa immortalized her name with an original nougat made of wheat flour, butter, egg and honey. 

There are several stories behind this delicious dessert, we choose the best known to share with you. No matter when or who was the original creator, the mystery of its origin only enhances the popularity of this traditional dessert.

Written by: GringoPeru

History of Peruvian Flag Day


Every June 7th, the "Flag Day" is celebrated in honour of the Battle of Arica (1880), in which approximately 1,900 men defended the patriotic territory commanded by Colonel Francisco Bolognesi.

Every June 7, the country remembers the resistance of the Peruvian forces and the defence of the Morro de Arica, which occurred in 1880, as part of the War of the Pacific (1879-1883). Colonel Francisco Bolognesi and Alfonso Ugarte participated in the battle, but also more than 1,800 soldiers who fought against the Chilean army to defend the national territory. For this historic event is celebrated every year Flag Day.

The War had entered a new period. After the naval combats at Punta Angamos, Punta Gruesa and Iquique, the enemy advanced unopposed after the subsequent defeat in Alto de la Alianza and the flight of the Bolivian army.


The city of Tacna had been besieged by Chileans who had more than 5,000 men and were better equipped with weapons and supplies. Colonel Bolognesi had taken command of that place and, despite all the adversities, agreed with the officers' board to defend the Morro and to resist as much as possible.


The antagonist, Chilean general Baquedano then sent Major Jose de la Cruz Salvo to request Bolognesi surrender, aware that his forces and troops were immensely superior. After the meeting, in which the other 14 members of that staff defended the country, the colonel said the well-known and celebrated words:


 "I have sacred duties to fulfill and I will fulfill them until I burn the last cartridge."



Alfonso Ugarte, who was in command of the eighth Peruvian division, also remained in history after jumping down a cliff with the Peruvian flag to prevent it being taken by the enemies.


The battle had serious consequences for the country. There were 700 dead and more than 1,000 wounded, taken as prisoners.

Bolognesi Square

Based on this event, June 7 of every year was instituted as Flag Day to remember the effort and heroism of Peruvians, despite the adversity that had to face and which was part of the enemy and the own Government of the time.
In this day, the public, private institutions, schools and others choose to flutter the flag of the country, authorities also hold an official ceremony at Bolognesi Square.



by: GringoPeru

Let's celebrate the International Museum Day




Today we commemorate the International Museum Day and to celebrate it, the Ministry of Culture has scheduled more than 150 free activities nationwide for the entire month of May.

Painting competitions, night tours, exhibitions, screening of documentaries, plays, conversations, dances, among other activities will take place throughout the day in museums and cultural centers.

Take note of these must-sees places around Lima:


Casa Museo Marina Núñez del Prado
(Calle Antero Aspillaga 300, San Isidro)


Today (May 18) the workshop "Los Rincones de Marina" is held for children and guided tours are scheduled at night. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free entrance.

The regular tour starts at 6 p.m and is free . Contact number: 513-9000



Museo de Sitio Bodega y Quadra
(Jr. Áncash 213, Cercado de Lima)

Enjoy a free night tour in one of the must-see museums of the Historic Center of Lima. You'll delight the objects of daily use that date from the foundation of Lima until the republican time and ceramic pieces of the cultures Lima, Inca and Chancay. Tours start from 6 p.m



Museo de Arte de Lima 
(Av. Paseo Colón 125, Centro de Lima)

From May 18 to 21, attendees will be able to request for free the 'MALI Route', a self-guided map that will allow them to explore the permanent exhibition and learn details of the masterpieces of the museum's collection. From 10:30 a.m.

On Sunday, May 21, visitors with free guided tours, will see the permanent and temporary exhibitions Orozco, Rivera and Siqueiros,  Como en la pintura, and MALI in situ. Grandstand. by Ishmael Randall Weeks. This will be taking place between 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.




The Night of the Museums in Miraflores

The City Hall of Miraflores has scheduled a nocturnal visit to the most emblematic museums of the district, such as the Ricardo Palma House Museum, LUM - Place of Memory, Tolerance and Social Inclusion and the Huaca Pucllana. The cost per person for this tour is S / 3 and starts at 6 p.m in The City Hall of Miraflores on May 26.

To be part of the tour you must register at turismo@miraflores.gob.pe or call: 617-7259




Museo de la Nación
(Av. Javier Prado Este 2465, San Borja)

Inauguration of the sample of Andean Religiosity. There will also be educational, artistic and talk activities. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free entry.



Museo Pedro de Osma
(Av. Pedro de Osma 421, Barranco)

Don't miss the guided visit by  to the permanent viceregal exhibition in the four rooms of this museum. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. till 4:45 p.m. Free entry.

"El Director Guía" guided tour for the new "Arte del Sur Andino" room by Pedro Pablo Alayza (Museum Director) at 5 p.m. Limited space for the first 15 people to arrive.



MATE = Museo Mario Testino
(Av. Pedro de Osma 409, Barranco)

Introductory explanation about the Permanent Collection of the Museum.  Participation of visitors exchanging comments at the end of the tour. 
Projection of the photographs to the visitors. Activities start from 5 p.m. till 10 p.m.



Written by GringoPeru
Credits to: Newspaper El Comercio, Peru21 and Correo.

Peruvian hairless dog



There is a well know breed of dogs called “perro Peruano sin pelo” (Peruvian hairless dog) or “perro calato” (naked dog) whose origins comes from Peruvian pre-Inca cultures like Chimú, Moche, and Vicus.

The word “Calato” comes from the quechua word “q'ala” that means naked. According to the investigations, this breed arrived to Peru in the years 300 B.C. and took a very important place in myths, legends and artistic works among pre-Inca cultures.

Ceramic from Sican culture
Chancay culture


 About the breed: 

They are agile and fast, and many of them enjoy sight-hunting small rodents.


They are very smart, sociable and adore to play with children! They are perfect pets for allergic persons. There are strange cases in which some of these puppies are born with some hair on the head, but it’s only necessary to brush regularly and it will not fall.



The temperature of its body is three degrees higher than humans due to it is forced to raise its body temperature to compensate for the loss of heat through the naked skin.

Peruvian dog as part of the Independence day parade

Although its hairless characteristic bring positive benefits for the owner, there is one important thing that we have to keep in mind: The sun. Peruvian dogs need to cover their skin with a sun blocker just like we do. Remember to protect them from the strong rays of the sun and apply cream on them after each walk.


 Important dates: 

The Peruvian dog was discovered in 1987 next to the tomb of  Lord of Sipan. The skeleton of the animal was next to the skeletons of the servants and the concubines. In the ceremonies prepared by the Incas to worship the moon, Peruvian black dogs were always present. They were much protected animals because ancient Peruvian considered them guides of the souls that travelled to other worlds. 

It is recognised as part of Peruvian national identity and as a race native to Peru. 

The Peruvian hairless dog was declared Patrimony of the Nation in 2011 by the Congress of the Republic of Peru.


If you are currently visiting the city of Lima, you can't miss the Art Exposition "Elegante Desnudez" (Elegantly naked) by  Karla Novy held at the Cultural Center  Ccori Wasi of the Ricardo Palma University.

Till: May 28, 2017.
Place: Visual Arts Gallery, Cultural Center  Ccori Wasi
Address: Arequipa Av. 5198 Miraflores, Lima
Link: Facebook Galería de Artes Visuales de la Urp
Schedule: Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. a 8 p.m. 
Free entry


Thank you for reading.

Islands of Pachacámac


If you travel down South of Lima to a place called Lurin and look out to the ocean you will see the Islands of Pachacámac (aka Islands of Cavillaca), it is said that these islands have a legend about their origin. There was once a beautiful goddess called Cavillaca, many tried to gain her affection but she refused and never accepted anyone. However, one day while knitting under a Lucuma tree, a god (in some legends it is stated that he is part demon) by the name of Cuniraya, who also desired her arrived. So to gain her affection he converted into a beautiful bird and flew to the tree and deposited his semen in one of the lucuma’s and made it fall close to the Cavillaca. Thinking nothing of it Cavillaca ate the fruit and became pregnant. After nine months she gave birth to a baby boy and when it reached the age of one, she and other gods had a reunion to discover who the father was. Cuniraya also attended this meeting but disguised as a beggar, when she asked who was the father all the god even Cuniraya remained quiet. So she put the baby to the floor and he crawled to his father and climbed on his lap, feeling ashamed she ran with her child to the beach, crying and shouting. She did not notice that Cuniraya was following her behind, removing his rags and unveiling a handsome god. She then jumped into the sea where she and her son turned into the islands, the little island is said to be the son and is known as “Isla San Francisco” (Island San Francisco). 


The largest island is now used as a marine base and has laboratories that serve to study oceanography and other studies relating to marine biology.

By: GringoPeru

The path of the SEVEN CHURCHES - Easter tradition


The Easter celebrations are nearly over and you may have seen, heard or participated in the passing of the seven churches. This is tradition not only carried out in Peru but over Latin America, starting on the Thursday the 7 seven churches are for devout follows of the catholic church to remember Jesus from the Last Supper to his crucifixion. 

Source: El Comercio


The churches in Peru are as follows with a little history and their role in the walk of the seven churches: 

1. The Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas 
(Iglesia de las Nazarenas) located at Jirón Huancavelica 515. Built in the 18th century this church houses the sacred image of Jesus that was painted by an African slave and has withstood many disasters and has also become the main symbol for the “Señor de Los Milagros” festival in October. The first church is to remember Jesus at the Cenacle where he celebrated the “Last Supper” with his disciples and to remember his night at Gethsemane where he prayed and sweated blood a night before his crucifixion. 


2. The Sanctuary of Santa Rosa of Lima 
(Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima) located at Jirón Chancay 223. This church was also built in the 18th century and for many years was the home of Isabel Flores de Oliva, Santa Rosa de Lima. Here you can find the well of wishes, the garden of Santa Rosa and her room where she stayed. Santa Rosa became the first Catholic in the Americas to be declared a saint. The second church is to remember Jesus being taken from Gethsemane to the house of Annas where he was interrogated and was hit by one of the guards

   3. The Coventry of Santo Domingo    
(Convento de Santo Domingo) located at Jirón Camaná 170. Built in 1540 this church is very important to the catholic community and is where the relics of three saints Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres and San Juan Macías are kept. This church also became Santa Rosa’s final resting place. The third church focuses on Jesus’s walk to the house of Caiaphas where he was spat on and insulted. 

4. Cathedral of Lima (La Basílica Catedral de Lima) 
located at Jirón Carabaya or can be found at the Plaza de Armas. One of the oldest cathedrals in Peru dating back to 1535 and was built over a pre-Hispanic temple to the sun. Some of the oldest artefacts of Lima can be found here and it is the final resting place of the Conquistador and founder of Lima, Francisco Pizarro. The fourth church is for the devotees to reflex on the meeting Jesus had with Pontius Pilate and the false accusation that were brought against him.

 5. Monastery of San Francisco 
(Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Lima) located at Jirón Lampa y Ancash. Here you can visit the old library with books dating back the colonial period however, this church is more well-known for the catacombs that lay beneath the church where 25,000 people were buried till the practice of burying people under churches were outlawed in the 19th century. The fifth church is to reflect on Jesus’s and his appearance in front of King Herod, where he and his guards were also abusive to Jesus. 

6. Church of La Merced (Iglesia de La Merced) 
located at Jr. de la Unión 621. This church was built 1535 by friar Miguel de Orenes and is known for its beautiful architecture and paintings also the church is known to commemorate the sacrifice by the Mercedarians who exchanged themselves for Christian prisoners who were considered enemies of the catholic church. Mercedarians were used to catechize the people who were conquered by the conquistadores. This church is reflex on Jesus’s second appearance in front of Pontius Pilate, here Jesus is crowned with a crown of thrones and is condemned to death. 

7. Church of San Marcelo 
(Iglesia San Marcelo) located at Jr. Rufino Torrico 618 Esq. con Av. Emancipación. The church was built in the 1551 when the order of San Agustin arrived to Lima. In this church there is many images, images of Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of Los Remedios and San Marcelo. The church has been rebuilt and modified during the 18th century due to earthquake damage. The last church devotees reflex on Jesus’s passage from the house of Pilate to Calvary carrying the cross, where he was crucified and the burial of Jesus, where on the third day he resurrected. 

The following Friday (Good Friday) is the day to remember the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross), this is followed by pray.

Written by: GringoPerú

Castle Rospigliosi in Lince



If you travel to the district of Lince you will come across a building non like any other in the area or in Lima city area apart from the Real Felipe Fortress, you will come across a castle one that was designed and built to look like a medieval castle. The castle is known as the 

“El Castillo Rospigliosi” 

(Castle Rospigliosi). The castle however is not that old and was actually built in 1929 during the government of Augusto B. Leguía, and was the project of Carlos Julio Rospigliosi Vigil (Lima, 1879-1938), a doctor in natural sciences and medicine and teacher at the University of San Marcos. It is said that Rospigliosi upon hearing that the King of Spain Alfonso XIII would visit Lima wanted to build the castle so that Lima would have a place of grandeur for someone like the King of Spain, however due to the civil war in 1930 in Spain forced Alfonso XIII to flee meaning that the trip to Lima did not go ahead. Rospigliosi then decided to use the castle as a family residence (some say that the castle was originally built only for the Rospigliosi family. In the original plans of Rospigliosi he wanted to build a moat and draw bridge along with the castle however, the idea of the moat and draw bridge was rejected by the authorities in Lima. The castle remained with the Rospigliosi family until 1949 when Carlos Augusto Rospigliosi Vigil lost the castle when it was expropriated by the State from then on the castle has been used as an office for the Air Force of Peru (Fuerza Aérea del Perú). The castle also hosts the Aeronautic Museum, the museum and castle can be found at Manuel del Pino 488 - Castillo Rospigliosi Urb. Santa Beatriz Lince. The museum can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. If you travel to the district of Lince you will come across a building non like any other in the area or in Lima city area apart from the Real Felipe Fortress, you will come across a castle one that was designed and built to look like a medieval castle. The castle is known as the “El Castillo Rospigliosi” (Castle Rospigliosi). 



 The castle however is not that old and was actually built in 1929 during the government of Augusto B. Leguía, and was the project of Carlos Julio Rospigliosi Vigil (Lima, 1879-1938), a doctor in natural sciences and medicine and teacher at the University of San Marcos. It is said that Rospigliosi upon hearing that the King of Spain Alfonso XIII would visit Lima wanted to build the castle so that Lima would have a place of grandeur for someone like the King of Spain, however due to the civil war in 1930 in Spain forced Alfonso XIII to flee meaning that the trip to Lima did not go ahead. Rospigliosi then decided to use the castle as a family residence (some say that the castle was originally built only for the Rospigliosi family. In the original plans of Rospigliosi he wanted to build a moat and draw bridge along with the castle however, the idea of the moat and draw bridge was rejected by the authorities in Lima. The castle remained with the Rospigliosi family until 1949 when Carlos Augusto Rospigliosi Vigil lost the castle when it was expropriated by the State from then on the castle has been used as an office for the Air Force of Peru (Fuerza Aérea del Perú). The castle also hosts the Aeronautic Museum, the museum and castle can be found at Manuel del Pino 488 - Castillo Rospigliosi Urb. Santa Beatriz Lince. The museum can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.


Written by: GringoPeru

Las tapadas Limeñas


Las tapadas Limeñas were a common sight in Lima during the period of the Viceroyalty of Peru until the early days of the Republic, this statement was unique as the entire body of the woman was covered and only one eye was visible. The garments worn by these women were the saya and manto. The saya was a dress that covered the wearer from the feet to the waist and was usually made of silk, the colours varied but the most common colours were black, blue or green. The manto was a long piece of silk usually black that was tied around the waist that came up the back and covered the face leaving one eye exposed. The origin of the the saya and the manto is still not quite understood however, some historians believe its roots are from the Moors but the use of the vail had an entirely different meaning. The origins were also written about in the book “Tradiciones Peruanas” a collection of writings written by Ricardo Palma (February 7, 1833 – October 6, 1919) he wrote: 

"When one wants to leave the winning paths and talk about the origins of something very old, this phrase springs to one's lips: it is lost in the mists of antiquity. When one wants to write about the saya and the manto, one notes that they have never figured among the clothes of any province of Spain or of any European country. They grew up at Lima as spontaneously as mushrooms in a garden. In what year did this mushroom grow? I have done a lot of research, but have been unable to find out. However, I dare to assert that the shawl and the skirt came into existence in 1560. Now let us look at reason on which my assertion is based. I hope the reader will not find them too advanced. Lima was founded in January 18, 1535, and there were no more than ten native Spanish women who came to inhabit the capital. One could almost name them. So it is clear as a crystal that only from 1555 to 1560 could there have been women of Lima, daughters of Spanish fathers and mothers, capable of forming a nucleus that could produce a fashion like the saya and the manto.”** 

(** the works of Richardo Palma can only be taken with a pinch of salt as Palma wrote based on historical reconstruction mixed with fiction and imagination.) 

So what were some of the reasons this fashion become so popular? Well in a book called Peregrinations of a Pariah (1838) written by the French/Peruvian writer Flora Tristan (7 April 1803 – 14 November 1844) who travelled to Peru in 1833, wrote that the saya and manto gave a freedom and liberation of anonymity, allowing women to move freely in society without the constant supervision of a man. She wrote “She puts on the saya without corset, lets her hair fall, encloses her body with the manto, and goes outside where ever she wants....


She meets her husband in the street, who does not recognize her, she intrigues him with her gaze, with her expression, she provokes him with phrases, and they converse. She is offered ice cream, fruit, cookies, a date. She leaves, and in a moment she’s chatting with an officer who’s walking down the same street. She can take this little adventure as far as she likes without ever having to take off her veil.” In this passage we can understand that women could flirt, taunt, and commit whatever indiscretions she pleased without danger of staining her reputation. Ricardo Palma once again wrote “The vexing saya y manto had the hidden ability to wake up women’s cunning, and one would be able to fill an entire tome with the mischief and schemes that these women tell.” This behaviour brought it to the attention of the government and the Catholic Church as they feared it would lead to immoral behaviour. So in 1561, Diego López de Zúñiga y Velasco, the fourth viceroy of Peru ordered a ban on the saya and manto however, it failed but this did not stop several more attempts to ban it. In 1582 and 1583 the Council of Lima proclaimed that anyone wearing the saya and manto was committing an offense and in 1601, Toribio de Mogrovejo, Archbishop of Lima also attempted to push a ban on the grounds that the saya and manto facilitated anonymous flirting. In one petition to the Council of Lima it stated: “The father could not recognize his daughter, nor the husband his wife, nor the brother his sister.” The saya and manto also removed the distinction of class or status because while wearing the saya and manto if a gentlemen or person paid a commplimet to a woman, they could not tell if it she was for example poor and old. It was also common for some women to take there slaves or maids with them who also wore the same garments. 


For three centuries the saya and manto symbolized power and independence for women in Lima however, the saya and manto faded into history during the Guano Era of Peru when new French fashion became more influential.


Written by: GringoPeru

Parque de La Amistad - “Friendship Park”



Located off Benavides Avenue and just behind the Ricardo Palma University you will find a place called “Parque de La Amistad”which can be translated to the “Friendship Park”. This park spans a 30,000 m2 area and the first thing you will see even before you enter this park is the large arch but I will mention more about this a little later in the article.
Well you all will be happy that the park is free to enter (open from Tuesday to Sunday 9 am to 9 pm) and as soon as you enter you will see the park is laid out in a circuit, there are also ATM’s close to the entrance just in case you need to take out some money and near these is a children’s play area with swings and slides. 


Now if you go straight ahead you will spot a red bridge (built by the American Bridge Company in 1907).


Beyond that you will find a building called “Centro Cultural Augusto B Leguia” which is the cultural centre in which art is displayed and other events take place here. The building is in the style of the old “Casas Haciendas” and the wood that makes up the columns and the roof are from the port of Callao which were once used in an old structure that was built in 1929.  


Now continuing on your circuit you will eventually arrive to the artificial lagoon here you can watch the ducks and the swans, there is also a paddle boat that you may take to check around the lagoon. I did not take it but the website says that it will cost 5 soles. 
Next to the lagoon is a small passage way this will lead you to many food carts that are selling traditional food and desserts that you can tuck into, you can also buy coffee and ice cream all depending on the weather or on your choosing.



Another popular attraction is the steam train and like most of the items or attractions in the park have a historical context to them. First of all the train will cost you 4 soles and you take it in a small train station located next to a restaurant inside the park. The train station is decorated with accessories of Peru’s locomotive history. The train itself is from 1926 and has 3 wagons that you can sit in and it will take you around the park passing the main attractions.  
Also remember to read the post that is around the park, it will give you an insight of the historical importance of the attractions, I was surprised with some of the history behind some of the attractions.


Now the main attraction is the large arch standing at 29 meters, you cannot simply miss it. 
The arch is in the style similar to that used by the Moors but this is not the originally but a replica so what happened to the originally?


The originally one was never in the same place but was located on Leguía Avenue now known as Arequipa Avenue and was a gift from Spain and was inaugurated  in 1924 but due to modernization of Lima it was demolished in 1939 under the government of Oscar R. Benavides. He claimed that it would cause problems with the traffic. The construction of the new arch started in 2000 and was finished by 2001 and inaugurated by the King of Spain, Juan Carlos and his wife Sofia. 

You can enter this arch and walk up the staircase to the top and see a spectacular view across Surco and it will cost you 2 soles to enter. 


After walking around this nice park you can take the weight off your feet and just take in the surroundings and let time pass, in my opinion it is nice to see a little greenery among the concrete. There is a pizza place also located in the park and a restaurant however, these can be a little pricy and I would recommend that you go to one of many restaurants that can be found just outside the park. 

By: GringoPeru